Spray tans have their benefits, but may not be for everyone

Sunless tanning products are sold as lotions and gels, and spray-on tans are available at many tanning salons.

The active ingredient in most products is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). When applied to the skin, DHA reacts with dead cells in the outer layer of skin to temporarily darken the skin. The coloring doesn’t wash off, but gradually fades as the dead skin cells slough off, the Mayo Clinic reports.

An employee at Lubbock’s Super Tan said almost half of her clients have tried the salon’s “Mystic Tan” sunless system.

The owners of five local

tanning salons offering both ultraviolet and sunless tanning services declined to talk to The Avalanche-Journal about their products.

Spray tans at Lubbock’s Super Tan cost $25 per tan, the employee told The Avalanche-Journal. Clients stand in a private booth and are sprayed on both sides of their body for less than a minute, she said. The tan develops instantly and lasts five-10 days.

Spray tans have some advantages: They are not included in a 10 percent federal tax imposed on ultraviolet tanning beds this month, said Michael Wells, an associate professor of dermatology at Texas Tech’s Health Sciences Center.

“As far as I know, it is safe for the skin,” he added.

Wells said the tans don’t protect people from the sun, meaning sunscreen is still a must for those spending time outdoors.

Not everyone will switch to a tan-in-a-can, though.

Six Tech students interviewed by The A-J said they prefer the sun or tanning beds to spray-ons.

“My roommate got a spray tan and she looked like a carrot,” said Ashleigh Walters, a graduate student in environmental design.

Danielle Lessing, another graduate student in environmental design, said she didn’t like the way the chemical smelled on her skin.

But streaky tans, orange hues and funny smells can be controlled with practice or by trying different brands, sunless tanning websites report.

To comment on this story:

sarah.nightingale@lubbockonline.com • 766-8796

shelly.gonzales@lubbockonline.com • 766-8747

Sunless tanning•What: Sunless lotions and sprays contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA). When applied to the skin, DHA reacts with dead cells in the outer layer of skin to temporarily darken the skin.•Cost: About $20+ at local salons.•Advantages: No exposure to ultraviolet rays, instant tan.•Disadvantages: Can appear streaky or orange, may smell bad; doesn’t provide protection from the sun.

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